INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ORIENTATION

Brookdale Community College – Fall 2014

AGENDA

Welcome, Introductions, & Ice Breaker Brookdale Community College International Education Center (IEC) Immigration Documents, Maintaining Status &

Employment Break Academics & Student Services Now that you’re here USA Culture & Life in New Jersey Conclusion & Questions Campus Tour Lunch

INTRODUCTIONS

Name Home Country Program of Study

ICE BREAKER #1

• Name Line The group divides into two circles. In each circle, one person says his/her name and the his/her favorite food. The next person clockwise says last person’s name and favorite food, and then adds his/her own. Game continues around the circle, with each person repeating name and favorite food of the people who shared before them.

BROOKDALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

About the College

BROOKDALE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Founded in 1967 COMMUNITY College Associates Degree & Certificate Programs 15,500 students in Fall 2013 120 international students in F-1 status in Fall

2013 Higher Education Centers in Neptune, Hazlet,

Wall, Long Branch, and Branch Campus in Freehold

Who we areWhat we doWhere to find us

INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION CENTER (IEC)

IEC – WHO WE ARE

Janice Thomas – Director & PDSO Anna Flood – Associate & DSO Lucy Wadych-Ketley – Coordinator & DSO Howard Miller – Faculty Liaison

IEC - WHAT WE DO

Provide international student services for matters related to F-1 students

Sponsor and co-cosponsor globally themed events for campus and community

Organize and host long and short-term study abroad programs

IEC - WHERE TO FIND US

Hours: Mon – Fri, 8:30am -5pm (4:30pm in summer)

Phone: #732-224-2799; Fax: #732-224-2980 Web: http://brookdalecc.edu/international Email: international@brookdalecc.edu

MAC BuildingRoom 114

Arrival and departure

IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTS

IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTS

IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTS

IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTS

IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTS

New I-94CBP I-94 Website Printout

IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTS

Form I-797A: Issued by USCIS after change of status

IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTS

The CBP admission stamp is issued at ports of entry upon arrival. The stamp is placed on a passport or travel document and notes the - date of admission, - class of admission and - admitted until date.

Passport with Admission Stamp

Staying Legal and Avoiding Violations

MAINTAINING YOUR STATUS

MAINTAINING YOUR STATUS

ALWAYS CONTACT THE INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION CENTER REGARDING ANY BIG DECISIONS

Change of major Change of address (phone number, e-mail

address) Change of name Change of immigration status Travel outside of the USA Transfer to a new institution Program extension Dropping a class

FULL-TIME ENROLLMENT

12 credit hours per semester Exceptions for first semester difficulty, final semester

enrollment You MUST be enrolled full-time during FALL &

SPRING terms – 15 week and/or 11 week Winter and summer terms are optional

Online classes You ARE eligible to enroll in online courses as long as

at LEAST 9 credit hours are on campus Higher Education Centers & Branch campus

Brookdale courses taken here DO count towards your degree!

PROGRAM COMPLETION

2.5 years to complete your program May apply for an extension through the

International Education Center (IEC) BEFORE current I-20 expires Counselor verification Updated financial documents

Must let the IEC know if you complete your program before program end date cited on I-20

60 day grace period upon completion of program Transfer to another school Depart the USA Apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Staying Within the Law

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

ON-CAMPUS EMPLOYMENT

On-Campus Employment Very limited on-campus employment may be

available

May not exceed 20 hours in any week during academic year

Contact the Career Services office, MAC 105 Located in MAC 105, (732) 224-2385 Bookstore, Cafeteria, Student Ambassador, Office

Assistant Tutoring: Languages, Math, etc.

OFF-CAMPUS EMPLOYMENT

Eligibility F-1 status at least one academic year Good academic and immigration status

Types Economic Necessity Practical Training

Attend Employment Workshop Later in Semester

IMMIGRATION REVIEW…

True or False: It is optional for F-1 students to enroll in the summer &

winter term. True (only Fall and Spring are required).

F-1 students at Brookdale may not take online courses. False (9 credits must be taken face-to-face)

F-1 students will apply for a new F-1 visa in the United States if their current visa has expired. False (apply at U.S. Embassy at home or in another country)

Full time status at Brookdale is 12 credit hours. True

F-1 students must apply for a program extension through the US Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) False (through the Brookdale IEC)

REMEMBER…

It is YOUR responsibilityto maintain your status.

(But we’re here to help!)

Classroom culture and considerations

ACADEMICS

SCHEDULING CLASSES & PREPARING

Design a schedule that works best for you Morning, afternoon, and evening courses

See the detailed course catalog online Put together a schedule – see how you’re

spending your time Learn where your courses are located before

the first day of class Attend class regularly and on time – absence

or tardiness can lower your grade Learning Assistants can help you with your

classes

CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR & SUCCESS

Read the syllabus carefully Turn your cell phone off during class Relationships between teacher and

student differ from country to country – be open to change

Find out your instructor’s office hours, location, and email address

Grades and credit are awarded at the end of each semester

Plagiarism is not tolerated

Safety, success, and well-being at Brookdale

STUDENT SERVICES

STUDENT DEVELOPMENT SPECIALISTS

Where to find them: 2nd Floor of CAR Building Also at Higher Education Centers/Branch Campus

Also called “Counselors”

STUDENT DEVELOPMENT SPECIALISTS

Meet with them often during your stay. They help with: Scheduling Registration Add/drop forms Change of major Counseling for personal issues

Appointments are better, walk-ins are welcomed too

Tel. (732)-224-2555 http://www.brookdalecc.edu/admissions/couns

eling-academic-advising/

FIRST YEAR EXPERIENCE - FYE

Program to help students’ transition and adjustment to the demands of college life through fostering connections and relationships with faculty, staff, and other students, and by offering specific college survival skills and resources

Six category passport; stamped for participation in select events

http://www.brookdalecc.edu/future-students/first-year-experience/

CAREER SERVICES

Located in MAC 105 Meet to discuss volunteer opportunities,

internship/externships, on/off campus employment, service-learning, & complete Learning Contracts

Also provide Career & Job Search Workshops Tel. # (732) 224-2385 http://www.brookdalecc.edu/current-students/c

areer-services/

OFFICE OF STUDENT LIFE & ACTIVITIES

Located in the Warner Student Life Center Building Student Life Board & Student Ambassadors Intramurals & Recreation and Intercollegiate

Athletics Clubs and Organizations

Provides services and activities for all Brookdale students like Orientations, Movies, Comedy Shows, Guest

Speakers, Trips to Museums, Baseball games, etc… Runs information desk in Student Life Center

(SLC) Tel. # 732-224-2390 http://www.brookdalecc.edu/campus-life/stude

nt-life-activities/

CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS

Over 50 on campus Examples: Anthropology Club, Asian Students Club,

Black Student Union, BCC Water Watch, Creative Writing Club, Brookdale Amateur Radio Club (B.A.R.C.), International Student Association (ISA), Speech Alliance Club, Theater Club, Women’s Student Organization, etc…

Learn more in the Office of Student Life or checkout the Club Cubicles in the basement of the SLC

International Student Association (ISA) meets every Thursday from 11:30 – 12:45 pm in MAN 208

JERSEY BLUES ATHLETICS

Fall, Winter, & Spring Sports http://brookdaleathletics.com/landing/index

Intramural & Recreation programs – For fun! Basketball, Coed Volleyball, Charter Fishing Trip, Tennis

Tournament, Horseshoe Tournament, Krav Maga (Self Defense Training), Friday-Night Recreational Tennis, Indoor Soccer, Run-4-Fun, 100 Mile Club, etc.

Intercollegiate Athletics – Competitive! Soccer, Tennis, Basketball, Cheerleading, Baseball,

Softball, Golf, Lacrosse Fitness Center

Membership is free for students!

Safety, success, and well-being at Brookdale

OTHER STUDENT SERVICES

BANKIER LIBRARY

Located at the end of the MAN Building Check out books, videos, DVDs, and

magazines with a valid ID Media viewing rooms and study rooms

for individual and groups are available Computers with internet access and

WIFI Online catalog accessed from BCC

homepage Tel. # (732) 224-2443 http://ux.brookdalecc.edu/library/index.

php

BROOKDALE POLICE

On duty 24 hours per day, 7 day a week

Do not be afraid to report something or to request assistance if needed!

Call: 2222 when using a campus telephone (732) 224-2222 when off campus or

using cell Or 911 to be transferred to Brookdale

Police http://www.brookdalecc.edu/current-

students/campus-safety/

STUDENT Health Insurance

Healthcare in USA is very expensive. Health insurance is not provided for

students. We strongly recommend you to have

health insurance, but you need to take care of it yourself.

Look for the health insurance information in your package from this orientation, and choose the one, that is right for you.

DISABILITY SERVICES

Located in MAC 111 Offers support to persons with

disabilities Must identify self, provide

documentation of their disability and request appropriate services

Tel. # (732) 224-2730 http://www.brookdalecc.edu/services/ad

min-offices/disability-services/

LABS – COMPUTER, MATH, READING WRITING

Computer labs – 79 through out Brookdale campuses Math Lab

Located in MAS 204 Tel. # (732) 224-1808

Reading Lab Located in LAH 124 Tel. # (732) 224 – 2942 http://ux.brookdalecc.edu/fac/reading/readingctr/index.php

Writing Lab Located LAH 118 (and weekly at HEC’s/Branch Campus) Tel. # (732) 224-2941 http://ux.brookdalecc.edu/fac/english/writing_center/index.

php

SCROLL & PEN BOOKSTORE

Located on the main floor of the Student Life Center

Take your registration form and staff can assist with choosing textbooks

Also has school supplies, cards, gifts, art supplies, clothing, & educational materials

Contains Paddock Convenience store which sells food, snacks, beverages, magazines, & health/beauty aids

http://www.brookdalecc.edu/services/admin-offices/bookstore/

MEDIA AND INFO

The Happenings Information flier for the BCC community

published weekly The Stall

Brookdale’s student newspaper. All students can submit articles to be published.

90.5 The Night Brookdale’s radio station and a good place

to find out events on campus and in the community

http://wbjb.org/home.php/listen/

WHAT TO DO NOW THAT YOU’RE HERE

CHECKING IN

Check-in with IEC Submit passport, CBP I-94 website printout,

I-20 Update your address

At IEC: for immigration purposes With College: 1st floor CAR Building

REGISTERING FOR COURSES

Test – Basement, CAR Building Take the ESL or Basic Skills (Accuplacer) Exam Go to the Testing Center in a basement of CAR Building Have your student number (ID) and passport

Meet with a Counselor – 2nd Floor, CAR Building Schedule appointment as soon as possible They help you select your courses

Register – 1st Floor, CAR Building Take counselor form to Registration on 1st floor Pay tuition at the Cashier F-1 students are assessed Out-Of-State tuition

GETTING STUDENT IDENTIFICATION (ID)

What you need: Registration Form showing payment Form of identification (passport or USA Drivers License)

Where to go: Basement, Warner Student Life Center, Room 109

What happens: A validation sticker is placed on the back of your card You MUST revalidate your ID EVERY SEMESTER

ID Required for use of Brookdale facilities and discounts on student events

First ID is free as well as validation each subsequent term

SETTING UP “MYBROOKDALE PORTAL”

www.brookdalecc.edu https://mycampus.brookdalecc.edu For assistance, call (732) 224-2829 Portal provides access to

Brookdale E-mail (mandatory) WebAdvisor CANVAS Student Calendar

Regularly check BCC email or forward emails to an account that you do use!

TRANSPORTATION

NJTransit – www.njtransit.com Buses, trains, & light rail throughout New

Jersey and to/from surrounding airports and cities like NYC & Philadelphia

Bus 833 runs from Red Bank - Brookdale Lincroft campus - Freehold

Student discount on monthly pass Taxis

Yellow Cab – # (732) 747-0747 Able Taxi – # (732) 528-2253 Shore Cab – # (732) 222-6688)

DRIVING

Can be expensive – car, gas, insurance, parking, tickets, maintenance, etc.

Traffic laws are strictly enforced! International License good for 1 year,

must get NJ license Social Security Number is not needed to

get a driver’s license

DRIVERS LICENSE

Apply at Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) Visit www.nj.gov/mvc/ to find out eligibility

and requirements for obtaining license Take valid I-20, I-94 printout, passport,

Social Security Card or letter of denial from Social Security Office, Enrollment Certification from IEC, and any additional documents as required by the MVC

Must update your address with the MVC if moving

Adjusting and settling into life in abroad

USA Culture & Life in New Jersey

YOU TELL ME…

What have you noticed that is different

from your own culture or unique to the USA?

(Everyone can respond to this!)

CULTURE

Melting Pot U.S. mix of nationalities, ethnicities, races, and

religious groups with a population of around 280 million people

Values Independence & individuality

Norms & Customs Punctuality - Being on time! Gratuity – Giving an added “tip” of 10-20% of total bill

to service industry workers such as waiters, bartenders, parking attendants, coat check, taxi drivers

Informality – titles, first names, asking questions, etc.

CULTURE SHOCK

CULTURE SHOCK

Precipitated by the anxiety that results from losing all familiar signs and symbols of social interaction

How to cope: Develop a hobby Get involved on and off campus and find new

friends Talk to a counselor Exercise, relax or meditate Maintain ties with your ethnic group Patience

IN CLOSING…

Your success at Brookdale is our goal! Ask for help when you need it. Make time for work and play. Take advantage of the available

opportunities. Do not forget to attend New Student

Orientation and ask questions!

Questions or comments…?

Campus tour

ICE BREAKER #2

Face to Face – Pair up with a person you don’t know, and ask each other three questions:- If you could travel to any country, or US state which one would it be and why?

- If you could meet any historical figure who would it be and why? - If you could be granted one wish, what would it be? Take 30-45 seconds to answer each question.

THANK YOU!